Message from the Founder:

“Growing up, I was challenged with so many different negative obstacles in my youth development, but with the help of positive mentors, The Boys Club and Girls Club of Lancaster, and the presence of basketball, I was prepared with the necessary tools to succeed.  The sport alone has allowed me to experience different cultures and has taken me to places I could only have dreamed of.  Now after enjoying so much success personally and as a professional athlete, I feel obligated and honored to reach back to that same community of youth from which I came and provide tools of guidance.  With the  help of " The Jerry Johnson Back 2 Basics' Youth Development & Sports Foundation",  I plan to put in place the basic structure for success through the use of sports, which will allow kids to follow and pursue their dreams.  

The ultimate goal for the Back 2 Basics Youth Development and Sports Foundation is to have a Sports Complex:  6 full court basketball courts, weightlifting facility, swimming pool, batting cage, and also function as a host for AAU baskeball tournaments, seasonal basketball leagues and more. The complex will also provide a unique opportunity for youth in surrounding communities to be mentored by guest speakers and actively participate in workshops that help develop necessary life skills that promote accountability, team concepts, sportsmanship, healthy choice making, banking and academic excellence through the fundamental structure of sports.  With our communities' youth lacking these qualities, our goal is to tie all these points together with a sports twists; challenging yet fun and interesting. If I was able to succeed both as a student and an athlete, there is absolutely no reason why more youth in our cities and surrounding neighborhoods can not be successful, but it all starts from a young age.  Please join me in my efforts through several foundation campaigns to raise the funds in order to effectively bring awareness to our youth and build the confidence each individual needs to grow from a successful adolescent into a successful adult.  Lets bring the Sports Complex to Lancaster City.”

Thank You,

– Jerry Johnson, Founder